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Description
Author Danielle Schultz has developed an easy to follow program that introduces the basics of grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and speaking skills of the French language. Closely modeled after the format found in the Latina Christiana program, First Start French is also geared towards both parents and students who may not have any prior knowledge of or exposure to the language.
The student book starts off with a reference guide that provides the general rules of French pronunciation and breaks the rules down by the following categories: vowels, nasal vowels, consonants, silent consonants, liaisons, and stress/accents. The book contains 36 lessons (following every 5 lessons of new content, a review lesson in provided), and each lesson is broken down into the following format: French song or saying, vocabulary (10-15 themed words or phrases), short grammar lesson, short dialogue entirely in French, and written exercises that are designed to test the student's translation skills and understanding of the grammar skills just covered. Although quizzes and answers are not provided in the book itself, free PDF downloads are available at www.firststartfrench.com or a free copy by mail can be obtained through Memoria Press. Student pages are not reproducible, so it you have more than one student, you will need to purchase a separate book for each. Grammar coverage in Book 1 covers verbs in three regular conjunctions (present and perfect tenses), basic noun forms, personal pronouns, and demonstrative pronouns. Short lessons on French culture covering manners, families, school system, food, symbols, and holidays are also included for additional exposure. Volume 2 continues to build upon the skills introduced in the first level with more extensive vocabulary and expanded grammar; cultural information covering French history, geography, science, and art is also covered.
The teacher edition begins with an overview of the program and offers lots of suggested ideas and teaching tips for how to use the program. Copies of completed student pages are provided for each lesson, and although an outline for a 4 day schedule is also provided (introduction of vocabulary, grammar, and dialogue on day 1, review and practice on days 2 and 3, and quiz on day 4), the program can easily be adjusted to accommodate any pace you would like to set depending on student aptitude. Because the student book does not contain any answers to the exercises, the teacher's edition is a highly recommended resource.
The pronunciation CD consists of all the vocabulary words covered within each lesson (spoken by a native French speaker) as well as 6 traditional French songs included to help with grammar and vocabulary development.
The complete set includes student book, teacher book, and pronunciation CD.
For those of you who are concerned with how this program will translate to high school credit, both levels 1 and 2 need to be completed to equate to one year of high school credit. Although this program is not intended to make your student a fluent speaker right off the bat, it is nicely designed to let the non-French speaking parent or teacher teach the basics of the language before investing in a more expensive program. Bonne Chance! - Enh
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.